Visitors to the Buffalo National River’s Boxley Valley will have some extra help finding their way and learning about the area this October.
Buffalo National River Partners is recruiting volunteers to serve as “information rangers” on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. Volunteers will assist visitors at four popular locations in the historic Boxley Valley: Lost Valley, the Ponca Low-Water Bridge, the Elk Lookout along Highway 43, and Boxley Mill.
The program gives volunteers an opportunity to support the Buffalo National River while helping visitors make the most of one of the busiest and most scenic times of year in the upper Buffalo River area.
Become an Information Ranger for a Day
Volunteers will be stationed at one of the four locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on their scheduled day. Participants will meet at the Elk Lookout pullout on Highway 43 at 9:30 a.m. for a brief orientation and to pick up supplies.
No previous experience or specialized knowledge of the Buffalo National River is required.
Buffalo National River Partners will provide volunteers with folders containing information about the area, answers to frequently asked visitor questions, a Volunteer-in-Parks vest, and a walkie-talkie.
Organizers hope to place two volunteers at each location when possible, making this an opportunity for friends, couples, or family members to volunteer together. Individuals are also welcome to participate.
Help Visitors During a Busy Fall Season
October brings fall color, cooler temperatures, elk viewing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation opportunities to Boxley Valley and the upper Buffalo National River. The volunteer program is designed to provide visitors with useful information while supporting National Park Service staff during the busy fall season.
Volunteers can sign up for one or multiple weekends. Organizers are asking participants to include all available dates in the message section of the registration form, along with any knowledge or experience they may have with a particular location. Specific expertise is helpful but not required.
Volunteers will receive their assigned date, location, and additional information before their scheduled service.
How to Volunteer
Those interested in serving as an information ranger can register through the Buffalo National River Partners volunteer sign-up page.
Volunteer sign-up: https://bnrpartners.org/sign-ups
Questions or expressions of interest can also be sent to bnrpartners@gmail.com.
Buffalo National River Partners works with the National Park Service and volunteers to support programs and projects that enhance the visitor experience at Buffalo National River. The October information ranger program offers another way for people who enjoy the Buffalo River to give back while spending a fall day in Boxley Valley.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!